Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking Essentials

This hands-on program introduces core cybersecurity concepts, focusing on threat detection, prevention, and response within the UAE/GCC landscape.

Program Overview

In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is no longer optional – it’s essential. This intensive program provides foundational knowledge and hands-on training in cyber Défense and ethical hacking, focusing on threat detection, prevention, and incident response.

Participants will engage with tools and techniques used by ethical hackers to protect systems and data, ending with a full-scale cyberattack simulation aligned with real-world risks and regional compliance frameworks.

Mode of Delivery

Live interactive sessions (onsite or virtual)
Practical labs in simulated cybersecurity environments
UAE/GCC-based case studies and real-world scenarios
Attack-Défense simulation as a final group exercise

Target Audience

This executive bootcamp is tailored for:

1. IT and cybersecurity professionals
2. Government employees handling data security
3. Network administrators and systems engineers
4. Software developers and technical managers
5. Entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to enter or advance in the cybersecurity field

Objectives of the Training Program

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

Understand core concepts and pillars of cybersecurity
Analyse and detect common cyber threats
Conduct ethical hacking and penetration testing activities
Identify system vulnerabilities and produce risk assessment reports
Implement strategies for cyber incident response
Comply with UAE/GCC cybersecurity laws and data protection regulations

Course Description

This hands-on training introduces participants to essential cybersecurity concepts, tools, and techniques. The program covers real-world digital threats such as phishing, ransomware, and network vulnerabilities, and teaches participants how to identify, mitigate, and defend against these attacks.

Key focus areas include ethical hacking, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and cyber incident response, with a final simulation exercise based on UAE/GCC business environments and legal frameworks.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:
1. Use tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, Nessus, Burp Suite
2. Conduct security scans and identify critical vulnerabilities
3. Execute structured penetration tests and evaluate the outcomes
4. Respond effectively to cyber incidents and breaches
5. Understand data privacy, regulatory compliance, and reporting obligations
6. Participate in a live attack-defense simulation (Red Team vs. Blue Team)

Methodology

1. Hands-on cybersecurity labs with real tools
2. UAE/GCC-based case studies and examples
3. Vulnerability assessment practice in sandbox environments
4. Team collaboration on incident response simulations
5. Interactive discussions, expert-led instruction, and feedback sessions

Certification

1. Certificate of Completion from the American University in the Emirates (AUE)
2. Attendance certificates are attested by KHDA.
3. Optional: 2 Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

Impact of the Program

Participants will leave the program with:
1. Practical skills to secure networks and systems
2. Real-world experience in ethical hacking and incident response
3. Confidence to analyse cyber risks and create Défense strategies
4. Awareness of regulatory frameworks and legal obligations
5. A competitive edge in one of the fastest-growing global industries

Schedule & Topics

Day	Session Title	Hours	Focus & Learning Outcomes
Day 1	Introduction to Cybersecurity & Threat Landscape	4 hrs	Fundamentals, threat types, and UAE/GCC cybersecurity landscape
Day 2	Phishing, Malware, and Network Attacks	4 hrs	Real-world attack vectors, simulations, and case analysis
Day 3	Ethical Hacking Tools & Frameworks	4 hrs	Kali Linux, Wireshark, Nmap, Burp Suite usage
Day 4	Vulnerability Scanning & Security Assessment	4 hrs	Nessus, CVSS scoring, documentation & reporting
Day 5	Penetration Testing Techniques	4 hrs	Exploit execution, reporting, ethical boundaries
Day 6	Cybersecurity Incident Response & Local Compliance	4 hrs	Incident handling, mitigation strategies, UAE/GCC laws
Day 7	Red Team vs Blue Team Simulation	4 hrs	Live cyberattack–defense exercise and debrief